From the Life in the Sikh Kingdoms collection ·
The full story
Not every treasure was gold. Copper coinage offers a way into the history of ordinary exchange, beyond the jewels and ceremonial objects of the court. The British Museum records a copper paisa issued under Ranjit Singh, catalogued in its scholarly collection of Sikh coins.
In this illustrated pair, the warm copper surface is deliberately less dazzling than the gold mohur. Look at the raised lettering, the border and the marks gathered at the centre. These are the small details that give a coin its character. Imagine following a single piece from one hand to another: what stories might a modest coin encounter that a treasure locked in a palace would miss?
“Khalsa Copper Paisa” is the name of this campaign collectible. Its decorative inscriptions and symbols are not a reliable reproduction of the museum specimen. The source offers a documented comparison and a starting point for exploring Sikh numismatics.
Research & sources
Follow the historical record behind this card. Campaign artwork is an interpretation; an object’s ownership, appearance or a person’s likeness needs its own evidence.
Place it in the wider story.
Coins, jewels and the Star of Punjab ↗
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